Tour de Delta鈥檚 White Spot Delta Road Race will be getting $50,000 in funding from the federal government, Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities Carla Qualtrough announced today.

The White Spot Delta Road Race is the final event in the , 鈥渁nd an important marker in the International Cycling Union racing season,鈥� said Qualtrough, who is a former Paralympian and current MP for Delta.

鈥淚鈥檓 very much a strong believer in the power of sport to transform lives and build healthy communtites,鈥� she continued.

鈥淪porting events of this calibre will have numerous economic, social and cultural benefits 鈥� and just as importantly, it will surely inspire young spectators to participate in sport and pursue their own dreams.鈥�

This is not the first year Tour de Delta has received funding from the federal government. Part of B.C. Superweek, the Tour de Delta has received $150,000 from the federal government through over the last three years.

The $50,000 for 2017鈥檚 Tour de Delta came through Sport Canada鈥檚 , which provides funding for international sporting events.

鈥淒elta is extremely fortunate to have strong support and partnerships for our community projects and events,鈥� Mayor Lois Jackson said. 鈥淭his federal grant will make a big difference in helping us provide true premium cycling events.鈥�

At the funding announcement, Jackson also announced the Tour de Delta will be getting a new race this year: paracycling.

The paracycling event will take place in Ladner on Saturday, July 8 at 4 p.m.

The 17th annual Tour de Delta will take place in North Delta, Ladner and Tsawwassen from July 7 to 9.

The Tour kicks off in North Delta during the evening of July 7 with the MK Delta Criterium, a 1.2km loop around North Delta鈥檚 鈥渟ocial heart鈥� on 84 Ave according to the . A festival celebrating the start of the event will take place at Richardson Elementary from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on July 7.

The Ladner Criterium takes place on Saturday, July 8, and Tsawwassen鈥檚 White Spot Delta Road Race takes place on Sunday, July 9.